Murphy's Multiverse

Author: John Sabato

  • Todd Phillips, Joaquin Phoenix Returning for ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’

    Todd Phillips, Joaquin Phoenix Returning for ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’

    Back in 2019, there was the heavy buzz surrounding the release of Joker, a standalone film following the origins of the clown prince of crime. The film took home a plethora of awards such as Oscars, BAFTAS, and even the coveted Golden Lion award from the Venice film festival. The film was a smash hit at the box office, bringing in over a billion at the box office with a small $60+ budget. Word has been around for quite a while now that a sequel to the film was in the works, with co-writer and director Todd Phillips returning.

    The word seems to have been true as Phillips has taken to Instagram to confirm that the script for the sequel is complete and even posted a photo with Joker himself, Joaquin Phoenix holding the script, all but confirming the actor’s return. The script was once again co-written by Todd Phillips and Scott Silver, who return from the first film. It’s unknown if Phillips will direct the sequel, but seems very likely.

    The sequel features a pretty interesting sub-title, with Folie à deux translating into “Madness for Two” hinting what the sequel will hold for fans. One plot we could see is Joker facing another Joker. Towards the end of the first film we saw Arthur Fleck rally the citizens of Gotham city to riot in the streets, and fight back against those that look at them as a lesser being. It would be interesting to see Arthur face the consequences of his actions, and come face to face with someone whom he has inspired to rise up in his absence, as we saw Fleck locked up in Arkham at the end of the film.

    We still await word on the sequel as we’ve yet to hear any casting information or even when the film could possibly release. Its definitely and interesting turn for Phoenix, as this would be the actors first sequel in his entire career.

    Source: Instagram

  • GEEKED WEEK: ‘The Sandman’ Eyeing August Release

    GEEKED WEEK: ‘The Sandman’ Eyeing August Release

    Netflix Geeked Week has kicked off once again with the streamer bringing some of its biggest original series to the week-long event. Perhaps the streamer’s biggest release that’s set to debut this year is the adaption of The Sandman, the critically acclaimed and beloved graphic novel by author Neil Gaiman. Geeked Week has brought with it the release date for the series, coming sooner than you think.

    Netflix has revealed that the adaption will be hitting the service on August 5th, just a little under two months away. The first season is set to adapt the first chapter in the store of Morpheus, the lord of dreams, titled Preludes and Nocturnes, with Gaiman revealing we can expect a little bit more to this story as well.

    The series was written by Allan Heinberg who will serve as an executive producer alongside Gaiman and David Goyer. The premiere of the series was co-written by Gaiman, Goyer, and Heinberg. Many fans were uneasy about the news of an adaption, but learning that Neil Gaiman is heavily involved in the series hopefully has eased a lot of minds.

    The series will star Tom Sturridge as the titular character alongside Gwendoline Christie, Kirby-Howell Baptise, Jenna Coleman, Mason Alexander Park, Boyd Holbrook, Charles Dance, Patton Oswalt, Vivienne Acheampong, Kyo Ra, and Stephen Fry.

  • UPDATE: Neve Campbell Confirms She’s Not Returning For ‘Scream 6’

    UPDATE: Neve Campbell Confirms She’s Not Returning For ‘Scream 6’

    UPDATE: Neve Campbell has now confirmed that she won’t be returning for the next entry. In a new piece by Deadline, she offered a statement in regards to why she’ snot returning for Scream 6, which has some curious implications but confirms it was a “difficult decision to move on.”

    As a woman I have had to work extremely hard in my career to establish my value, especially when it comes to Scream. I felt the offer that was presented to me did not equate to the value I have brought to the franchise.

    Source: Deadline

    The Scream franchise burst back onto the scene this year as the fifth installment in the franchise returned to theaters. The newest film brought in a new gang of characters as a new Ghostface returned to Woodsboro, bringing Gale Weathers, Sidney Prescott, and Dewey back into the fold.

    It seems only one franchise favorite may be making their return for the upcoming sixth film in the franchise as Neve Campbell is rumored to be sitting this one out. Bloody Disgusting is reporting that they’ve been hearing similar rumblings that Campbell is not returning, as the actress was reportedly telling fans at conventions that she will not be returning for the next film.

    It’s not officially confirmed that she’s definitely not returning but her absence would fit where the story last set off. Yet, in the world of horror, it does seem like no one can truly count out anyone who’s been involved with Ghostface to truly go away. Well, except if they are on the other end of his knife.

    Source: Bloody Disgusting

  • Funko Merchandise Offers New Look at The JSA in ‘Black Adam’

    Funko Merchandise Offers New Look at The JSA in ‘Black Adam’

    One aspect of Black Adam that has fans anticipating its arrival is the DC Extended Universe debut of the Justice Society of America. The team has appeared in live action before, in projects like Smallville and Stargirl, but this will be the big screen debut for team. The roster includes some fan favorites with Hawkman and Doctor Fate leading this new era of heroes alongside Atom Smasher and Cyclone. Some merchandise for the film from the ever popular Funko Pops has provided our best look at the team.

    Perhaps one of the film’s most exciting additions is Kent Nelson, aka Doctor Fate, who’ll be played by former 007, Pierce Brosnan. Some fans were a bit puzzled to see the character seem to not have eye holes in his helmet, which the Pop figure confirms, and shows off some interesting dents and scratches. The suit is also oddly grey, which is strange since footage has seemingly revealed a blue suit.

    The Pops also give the first clear look at Cyclone, who we’ve only seen minimally and not in action. The suit looks to react to her abilities, when she conjures wind it seems to react and open, its a quite impressive modernization of the character’s costumes and even keeps some of the pinstripes we’ve seen in the comics.

    Albert Rothstein makes his DCEU debut in a costume so accurate to the comics that it even includes the white eyes that many want to see on a live-action Batsuit.

    Finally, Funko has revealed Hawkman in all his glory, sporting the winged helmet and glorious wings briefly seen to expand in the DC 2022 film promo. The Pop also includes Hawkman’s magic mace, a staple with both him and Hawkgirl.

    All Black Adam Pops are available for purchase now, and perfectly timed as fans can expect the first trailer for Black Adam next week on June 8th.

    SOURCE: Variety

  • ‘Black Adam’ Merchandise Offers Best Look Yet at Film’s Villain

    ‘Black Adam’ Merchandise Offers Best Look Yet at Film’s Villain

    The identity of the villain of DC’s upcoming film, Black Adam, was a bit of a secret for some time. Initially, it was believed that Dwayne Johnson’s hero would be going up against Eclypso; however, it’s since been revealed, in a leaked look at Funko Pops for the film, that Sabbac would serve as the primary antagonist. Now, thanks once again to Funko, fans have their first good look at Sabbac.

    Things started to piece together when we learned the production was eyeing Marwan Kenzari in the role of Ishmael, a role many fans were quickly able to connect to Ishmael Gregor, one of the few that have held the powers of Sabbac. While it was never confirmed Kenzari joined the film, he can be spotted in some of footage we’ve seen, and the recent Funko products seem to confirm the rumored villainous turn. The character looks to be incredibly accurate to the Ishmael Gregor version of the character. Sporting a humanoid form, sprouting two massive horns and a smoldering pentagram on the torso.

    SOURCE: Variety

  • Warner Bros. Discovery Interested in ‘Joker’s Todd Phillips as DC Film’s Future Advisor

    Warner Bros. Discovery Interested in ‘Joker’s Todd Phillips as DC Film’s Future Advisor

    The major shake-ups at Warner Bros. Discovery come as a shock to nobody as it seemed like the company has long been trying to get things together. The newly named CEO, David Zaslav, has been sorting things out swiftly as hes gone out with the old and in with the new. Recent news of Toby Emmerich‘s exit has brought news of another development at WBD. The company has DC as a priority, a brand with an incredible amount of potential that they felt has been squandered in the past few years, and looks to be reaching out to a familiar face for help.

    The Hollywood Reporter shared that Zaslav reportedly reached out to co-writer and director of 2019’s Joker film, Todd Phillips, to ask him to get a bit more involved over at DC Entertainment. His film was a resounding hit for the studio, scoring over a billion at the box office, shockingly outgrossing Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on a $60+ million budget. The role is purely that of an advisory role with Phillips not currently set to serve in an executive role at the studio.

    This is a bit of an odd move for the studio to make, while Joker was indeed incredibly profitable for the studio, its not particulary the direction they should be moving in with the brand. It was a story seperate from the mainline DC Extended Universe, creating yet another earth in the ever expanding multiverse within the shared universe. THR even states that while Phillips has quite limited knowledge on the DC Universe, Zaslav and Phillips have reached an understanding on the situation with the current state of DC.

    This is an interesting move for Warner Bros. Discovery but not one that could have a great effect on whats to come as if things pan out, it is only an advisory role within DC Entertainment.

    Source: THR

  • Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy Set to Replace Toby Emmerich at Warner Bros. Discovery

    Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy Set to Replace Toby Emmerich at Warner Bros. Discovery

    The past month has seen some major changes happening over in Hollywood, as the recent Warner Bros. merger with Discovery has resulted in quite a few big changes at the company. Zaslav and his team are reportedly very eager to get the DC brand back on track and use it to its fullest potential. It’s a big priority for them and they want to focus on getting big characters like Superman back on the big screen. Yet another change is coming as Tobey Emmerich will no longer serve as chairman for the studio and some new names look to have already been chosen.

    The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that with the Emmerich‘s exit, Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy will step into the role to lead the film division at Warner Bros. Zaslav intends to mold the company into something similar to what Bob Iger did over at Disney, and split the company up with multiple labels like Warner Bros, DC Entertainment, and New Line. The move would be something similar to how Disney operates with Marvel Studios, with Kevin Feige leading the charge.

    Part of De Luca and Abdy‘s deal will provide them access to producing projects under DC Entertainment and to develop the properties. DC is the studio’s biggest priority right now under the new leadership, looking to craft something similar to the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    Walter Hamada is still expected to remain in his current role as the president of DC films, but will now be actively reporting to De Luca and Abdy as the new studio heads. Since becoming the head of DC films, Hamada has smoothed things out with the brand with its releases since joining in 2018, with a string of hits like Aquaman and The Suicide Squad.

    Emmerich is expected to receive a production deal at the studio following his exit as chairman, so he won’t be going too far.

    Source: THR, The Wrap

  • The Rock Confirms ‘Black Adam’ Trailer Release Date

    The Rock Confirms ‘Black Adam’ Trailer Release Date

    The upcoming slate for the DC Extended Universe is quite packed as many major players from the DC Universe are set to arrive in their very own feature films. One of the most exciting upcoming releases is Black Adam, a film that has long been in development, with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson having been cast in the role for over ten years before. While we haven’t seen a ton from the film yet, it seems that’s all going to change in just a couple of weeks.

    The Rock has taken to Instagram to confirm that the first trailer for Black Adam is set to release on June 8th. The film has been hit with multiple delays, most recently moving from July to October 21st. The first official look at the film back came in February when Warner Brothers released a featurette highlighting the upcoming release of 2022, revealing characters like Atom Smasher, Doctor Fate, Hawkman, and Cyclone, but this first trailer should give us a much better idea of what to expect from the film.

    The Rock has used social media to promote and give fans a look at his films for a while now, kicking things into the next gear for Black Adam. He revealed that throughout filming he would not sit on the character’s throne until he felt he’d earned the right to sit in such a sacred place for the character.

    Black Adam stars Noah Centineo, Aldis Hodge, Sarah Shahi, Quintessa Swindell, and Pierce Brosnan alongside Dwayne Johnson.

    SOURCE: Instagram

  • RUMOR: Jason Sudeikis to Play Ted Kord in ‘Blue Beetle’

    RUMOR: Jason Sudeikis to Play Ted Kord in ‘Blue Beetle’

    While the future of the DC Extended Universe remains unclear, fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Jaime Reyes, aka Blue Beetle, on the big screen. In the comics, Jaime is the third to don the mantle of the Blue Beetle, following Ted Kord who obtained the title from Dan Garret, the original Blue Beetle. Since the movie was announced, fans have been curious as to whether or not Ted Kord will be making an appearance in the film. Thanks to a new report, we might finally have an answer.

    Listings from a casting agency indicated that the movie, which is currently in production, is looking for a couple of body doubles for June 1st. Of the two images posted by the Bill Marinella Casting company, one is a blurred/edited photo of Jason Sudeikis. In the image, which you can see below, the casting call is for someone who matches the complexion of Sudeikis. Those applying must be between the ages of 20-55, and be between the height of 6′ and 6’1. The casting call is looking to fill the role for June 1st in Atlanta, GA. 

    Going off the above casting call, it would suggest the comedian is playing none other than Ted Kord. As it stands, though, there is no confirmation of this. It is, of course, worth noting that Susan Sarandon has been cast as Victoria Kord, who is meant to be the antagonist of the film. The character is said to be an original character developed for the film, but her inclusion would suggest an appearance by Ted is likely.

    Blue Beetle is set to hit theaters on Aug. 18th, 2023 and will be directed by Angel Manuel Soto. The film stars Xolo Maridueña in the titular role alongside Susan Sarandon, Harvey Guillén, Raoul Max Trujillo, George Lopez, Elpidia Carrillo, Belissa Escobedo, Adriana Barraza, and Damián Alcázar.

    SOURCE: The Cosmic Circus

  • Nicole Kassell Set To Direct Live Action ‘She-Ra’ Series for Amazon

    Nicole Kassell Set To Direct Live Action ‘She-Ra’ Series for Amazon

    The Masters of the Universe have found new life on streaming these days as the popular 80s franchise made its grand return. Netflix has become quite the hub for everything and anything MOTU with multiple animated series and most recently a live-action film in the works. Amazon looks to be making its way to Etheria as we got some news on the live-action She-Ra series.

    Back in September, it was announced that Amazon had begun development on a live-action series following She-Re, the Princess of Power. The timing was perfect as the Netflix animated series, She-Ra and The Princesses of Power, became quite the hit. Variety has reported that Nicole Kassell, who is known for her work on HBO’s Watchmen, The Leftovers, Westworld, and The Americans. Kassell will direct the pilot episode if ordered by the studio. Dreamworks Animation will serve as an executive producer on the series alongside Kassell. The project has yet to recruit a writer.

    It is unknown just what the series will follow as previous versions of the character like the animated series on Netflix removed all ties to Eternia and Princess Adora’s family ties to Prince Adam and the royal family. All we know is that this will be a stand-alone story and will have no connection to the show. It is unknown just how rights may clash with Netflix as they are currently developing their own live-action He-Man film, meaning we could see Adora cut off from Eternia once more.

    Originally Princess Adora, He-Man’s twin sister, was kidnapped as an infant by Hordak and brought to Etheria, and became an agent of the Horde. He-Man was the one who saved her and gave her the sword of protection, freeing her of her mind control and now being able to turn into She-Ra. The pilot has yet to be green-lit so it is still possible the project does not move forward at Amazon.

    Source: Variety